Global business travel continues but confidence weakens in 2026

Geopolitical risk, rising costs, and complexity are reshaping how companies travel rather than stopping travel altogether

Global business travel remains active in 2026, but industry confidence has declined sharply as organizations navigate a more complex and uncertain environment. According to a recent survey by the Global Business Travel Association, companies are continuing to travel and meet, but with greater caution, tighter controls, and more deliberate decision-making. Geopolitical instability has emerged as the dominant concern, particularly in Europe, where sentiment has shifted significantly toward pessimism. At the same time, the role of travel management is becoming more strategic, with AI increasingly used to optimize decisions and manage disruption.

Key takeaways

• Confidence decline: Industry optimism dropped from 59% in January to 41% in April, while pessimism nearly tripled, reflecting growing uncertainty and external pressures.
• Europe most affected: Europe is now the only region where pessimism outweighs optimism, driven by proximity to geopolitical conflicts and heightened risk exposure.
• Geopolitics as top risk: Nearly 79% of respondents cite geopolitical instability as the leading factor influencing travel decisions, impacting routes, safety policies, and meeting planning.
• Travel continues with caution: Companies are not reducing travel across the board but are taking a more controlled and selective approach, balancing business needs with risk and cost considerations.
• Rising cost pressure: Affordability concerns have increased significantly, with 82% of respondents highlighting cost as a key challenge shaping travel strategies.
• Softening demand outlook: More buyers now expect business travel volume and supplier revenues to decline, indicating growing downside risk despite continued activity.
• Meetings strategy shift: Organizations are adapting by moving some meetings to virtual formats, reducing attendance, or relocating events, although key in-person interactions remain difficult to replace.
• Strategic role of travel managers: Travel management is becoming more central to business operations, with increased responsibility for risk management, policy decisions, and organizational alignment.
• AI adoption accelerating: Companies are increasingly leveraging AI for pricing insights, forecasting, and decision-making, although data privacy and security remain key barriers.

Source: GBTA

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